Question

Hydro meters are not the best to use but they work and do a couple reading to see if you get the same reading. The more you get involved might want to try to get a reflector meter. Also are you adding for water back for evaporation. Also do you have a test kit to check your ammonia and phosphate that will you know when you can add fish to your tank.

 

Have you been topping off to replace evaporation? If not, that would cause your salinity to climb. Can you add some more details? How much live rock, live sand (if any)? Do you have test kits?

 

I'm willing to bet that your store is a "big box" store that uses false advice for sales. Jump on here, slow down, and do your research before you get overwhelmed. Live rock in the saltwater aquarium is a MUST in some way/shape/or form. This hobby is a wonderful, rewarding hobby. But unless you start out slow, you're going to leave it more quickly than you'd like. People say it's a money sink, but it is not. The ones that say that constantly chase upgrades in equipment and always replace livestock they kill, up until the point that they simply give up. Welcome to GIRS! This is an amazing resource.

My personal reefing philosophies

Read this thread, then read it again. Craig (xroads) is a veteran on here.

 

Check these videos out from BRS (Bulk Reef Supply). I watched these video when I started into the hobby. I have nothing but GREAT things to say about BRS and their customer focus for success.

 

We all have your back Sue!